An 80-year-old Liskeard man who defrauded the East Cornwall Skittles League of more than £6,000 has been given a six-week prison sentence, suspended for six months.

Leslie John Howard of Church Street, Liskeard, admitted to magistrates in Bodmin on Friday that between August 12 and December 23, 2004, he falsified the league's accounts dishonestly, with a view to gain, and that between February 11 and May 28 this year he committed fraud against the interests of the East Cornwall Skittle League.

The court was told that in respect of the second offence, while occupying the position of league treasurer, he dishonestly abused that position to make a gain of £1,101 for himself. Passing sentence the court noted that more than £6,000 had been taken over a long period of time, but said that in view of his age and health the prison sentence should be suspended.

In addition to the suspended prison sentence Howard was also ordered to comply with requirements that he be supervised by the Probation Service for six months and that he abide by a four-week curfew each evening between 8pm and 8am.